MONROVIA – Four major political parties, the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), and Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), have issued a strong joint statement condemning what they describe as politically motivated actions by the Liberian government against several opposition lawmakers.
In a press release dated Friday, June 6, 2025, the parties expressed grave concern over the detention of four legislators, Hon. J. Fonati Koffa, Hon. Dixon W. Seboe, Hon. Abu Kamara, and Hon. Jacob Debee II, who they say were held at the Liberia National Police headquarters from 10:00 a.m. until late in the evening, with what they described as the government’s apparent intent to incarcerate them without cause.
Calling the arrests a throwback to “a darker chapter” in Liberia’s history when political dissent was criminalized and the judiciary weaponized, the parties emphasized that the detained lawmakers pose no flight risk and should have been treated with the presumption of innocence. “The peace and stability of Liberia rest heavily on the government’s ability to act with integrity and fairness,” the joint statement read. “Engaging in politically motivated maneuvers that threaten to destabilize our nation is not only imprudent but also perilous.”
The statement follows recent developments in the ongoing investigation into the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building. While the government has maintained that its actions are grounded in law and driven by credible evidence, the opposition bloc warns against what it calls an “undemocratic and counter-productive” approach to justice.
The parties argue that keeping lawmakers in prolonged detention without clear charges undermines the rule of law and suggests a misuse of state power for political retribution. They called on the government to immediately and unconditionally release the detained individuals, emphasizing that their commitment to uncovering the truth behind the Capitol fire must not be manipulated as a tool for political persecution.
While reaffirming their dedication to peace and national development, the ANC, CDC, MOVEE, and CMC cautioned that their collaborative stance should not be mistaken for weakness. “Our position on this matter is firm and nonnegotiable,” they declared, warning that failure to resolve the issue justly could provoke widespread public dissatisfaction, albeit through peaceful and lawful channels.
As tensions rise, the statement concluded with a direct appeal to the government: to reflect on its constitutional responsibilities and act in a manner that protects the democratic values upon which Liberia’s future depends.
